Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2015 !

The 2015 destination for the legendary Scrapheap Adventure Ride has just been announced:

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is a unique fundraising event which involves motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country purchasing a bike for no more than $1000 and doing it up for an adventure ride through the Aussie outback, all while raising money for people with Down syndrome. 

In just five years the event has raised over $290,000 for Down Syndrome NSW.
Riders begin their journey at home or wherever they like but arrive at the same destination. 

This year that destination is Urana in southern NSW, where all ‘Scrappers’ plus family and friends will meet for a weekend of fun and entertainment at a campsite.

25th - 27th SEPTEMBER 2015 

 Our target for 2015 is 100 riders raising $100,000 for Down Syndrome NSW. So what are you waiting for? Click here to join the 2015 Scrapheap Adventure Ride. 

If you’re not a rider, you can support the Scrapheap Adventure Ride and Down Syndrome NSW by sponsoring a rider or just donating to the cause.

Where is Urana? 

The Urana Shire is centrally located right in the heart of the beautiful Riverina and is some 3,361 sq. kms in area. Supporting a population of 1500 people, the Shire consists of five townships each of which boast obvious rural charm. 

Urana Shire is well positioned about 110 kms from both the major NSW regional centres of Albury and Wagga Wagga and maintains a network of over 1,000 kms of roads within the Shire ... Urana Shire website

• Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2015 on Facebook

Weekend reading and viewing: 14th - 15th March 2015

Proudly, Outloudly

Dave Hingsburger, Rolling Around in My Head, 9th March 2015
... Like it or not your child has been born into a life of advocacy. By the sheer nature of their disability and their difference and by the circumstance of the timing of their arrival - they will live a life of cutting new paths, challenging preconceptions and prejudices and opening the way for others who follow ...

I found true inclusion and now I don’t want anything less

Embracing Wade, 11th March 2015

Rightly or wrongly I have decided that I want Wade to try mainstream activities first before we try disability specific ones. This is not a judgement on other parents choices, different kids need different things, it’s just the Plan A I have for Wade and then I’m prepared to go to Plan B if needed. But it’s hard to reconcile the high expectations I hold for him with the question that constantly rears it’s head in the back of my mind.

Are you doing this for him or for you?

High school basketball team walk off court to confront bullies of cheerleader with Down syndrome

Daily Life, 12th March 2015

... Desiree Andrews is a cheerleader with the Lady Knights Squad at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, who has Down syndrome. During a recent home basketball game, she was getting bullied by some people in the bleachers.

The dudes on the court, noticing the fracas, did something awesome: they called a timeout, walked off the court, and told the bully "Don't mess with her" ...

The R-Word: A Branch From The Poisoned Tree

Kimchi Latkes, 5th March 2015

... I want to suggest here, to the person who uses that word (retard) and any derivations of it, that it is personal, you do mean it like that, you are talking about my kid, it isn’t about being politically correct, and asking for respect is not an act of policing the English language.

What are we talking about, then? Here is where I think we get tripped up. I think we are getting fixated on a single poisoned branch of a tree, not realizing that cutting off that one branch will not work in the long run. I think we need to step back and look at what poison feeds that tree, really dig deep into what this word means ...

The martyrdom of Tania Clarence: when will the press stop conveying disability as worse than death?

Frances Ryan, New Statesman, 9th March 2015

... The internet age characterises the tone of tragedy ...Fallible women and pitiable disability. The comment function below allows instant, public commentary ...

T4321 - World Down Syndrome Day 2015

This year marks 35 years since a group of parents, and others with a passion for the rights of people with Down syndrome, got together and held the meeting that first established the Down Syndrome Association of NSW.

We think that’s something to celebrate join us at one or more of these events on World Down Syndrome Day, Saturday 21st March 2015.

Bookings/registration are essential for each event - details and links here:

• High Tea at The Langham Sydney 

• Family Fun Day at Lollipops Playland Parramatta 

• Hunter Region T4321 Disco, Club Macquarie, Argenton 

For people living outside Sydney and the Hunter we would love it if you would consider hosting your own event as many of you have in previous years. To register your event click here or for more information contact Sarah or Ben on 9841 4444

Resources

This week, it's all about communication ...

Supporting the development of clearer speech for children with Down syndrome
Slides, video and resource links from the Down Syndrome Education International webinar held on 10th March 2015, are now available online here.

Do I Buy the (Fill in the Blank) Program? Evaluating at Home Speech Programs/Products

Jennifer Bekins, Talk - Down Syndrome, 9th March 2015

... How are families supposed to weed through what works and doesn’t work? The very first thing to do is take time to look over the program with a critical eye. This isn’t personal, it’s fair. Do not get pressured by companies, therapists, or other parents to buy a product. Ask questions ...

Auslan Tutor App now available for Android
From Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children on Facebook

Learning to sign has never been easier with RIDBC’s Auslan Tutor, available now for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Learn Australian Sign Language (Auslan) from the comfort of your own home or on the go with this portable multimedia tutorial designed for use on mobile devices.

Find out more here and help us share the great news!

• Key Word Sign NSW website

Thanks to Key Word Sign NSW on Facebook for the link (via Aileen Ryan)

People with Down syndrome online and in other media

Down syndrome author Grace Chen writes book with help from friend
CBC News, 8th March 2015
... Grace Chen's dream is now a reality thanks to local author Judy McFarlane. It's a collaboration that is benefiting them both ...

Elkins Man with Down Syndrome Volunteers at Fire Department

NWA Homepage, 9th March 2015
Justin Tate, or JT has grown up at the Elkins fire department where his dad is assistant chief and he's always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps ...

Moving

VATTA (Voices at the Table), 2nd March 2015

Packing up boxes for the move from my house to my new condo reminds me of my BIG MOVE 12 years ago. I was 18 years old and I had just graduated from high school. I was so excited to be moving away from my childhood home in the small town of Milk River to the big city of Lethbridge!

Brandon’s Moving Tips

VATTA (Voices at the Table), 9th March 2015

Today I want to give you some tips for moving. I moved out of my house into a whole new chapter of my life! I just love it! But, moving is a lot of work!

Getting Active (video series)

Down's Syndrome Association

This year (UK) Awareness Week (16 -22 March) is all about Getting Active and Getting Involved. We want to encourage people with Down’s syndrome to Get Active and Get Involved in their local communities. Having different hobbies and leisure pursuits benefits health and overall wellbeing. It can also be a lot of fun and is a great way to make new friends.

There are so many ways to Get Active: through sport, creative or dramatic art, learning, or socialising. Here are some people to tell you all about the different things they like to do ...

Dance development opportunity for adults with disability

Image: Pixabay.com

This new project at Carriageworks, announced yesterday, could be a fantastic opportunity for already skilled dancers with Down syndrome who aspire to develop their theatre skills and perform at this prestigious venue:

Announcing a major commission by Carriageworks in partnership with Dance Integrated Australia and Force Majeure – A New Project. 

Dance Integrated Australia’s Philip Channells will collaborate with Force Majeure’s new Artistic Director Danielle Micich and a company of artists with disability who will develop the work over a two year period. The work will culminate in a world premiere season at Carriageworks in October 2016.

Call Out for Performers
Dance Integrated Australia and Force Majeure invite artists with physical, sensory, psychosocial, neurological, medical or intellectual impairment to participate in a weekend workshop audition. 

Applicants must be based in NSW and be 18+ years.

When 9-10 May 2015, 10am-4pm.You will be required to attend one of these days. 

Where Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh Sydney NSW 2015 T: (02) 8571 9099

• For further information on the criteria and application process, click here. 

Looking well ahead

Kelle Hampton's blog Enjoying the Small Things is on our list of 'Blogs we read' (scroll down the right hand column of this page) because she consistently writes thoughtful posts that resonate with families, particularly those of young children with Down syndrome, illustrated with her beautiful photos of her family life.

In this post, If you build it they will come, she talks about imagining 5 year old Nella's future, and taking an opportunity to actually see some of the possibilities up close, by meeting with and interviewing some people with Down syndrome enrolled in a college program.

More on post-secondary education:

Inclusive Education Program kicks off Semester 1

Centre for Disability Studies (University of Sydney), March 2015
Ten students with an intellectual disability have joined the Inclusive Education Program hosted by the Centre for Disability Studies to participate in lectures and university life over the next two years. The semester kicked off with a range of activities including an Orientation Day ...

A college experience for students with intellectual disabilities

Jeff Walker, Cincinnati.com, 16th February 2015

College might seem out of reach for students with intellectual disabilities. But some area colleges and universities are offering programs to make it a reality. Not only are these students getting a taste of the college experience, they're acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for them to succeed in the workplace while matching them with careers to best fit their talents ...

Study Finds Postsecondary Programs Boost Outcomes

Shaum Heasley, Disability Scoop, 20th January 2015
Individuals with intellectual disabilities who attend postsecondary programs are finding greater success in the job market than those who do not pursue further education, a new study suggests.

Graduates of postsecondary programs reported higher rates of employment since completing high school, according to findings published online this month in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. The research offers support for a growing number of programs at colleges and universities specifically geared toward young adults with developmental disabilities ...

• Abstract available online

Bus Stop Films - new website

Bus Stop Films (Be My Brother, The Interviewer, Heatbreak and Beauty, and many more), international award winning inclusive film maker,  has launched its new website.

Visit to see the excellent work being done in film making by and with people with Down syndrome and other disabilities on both sides of the camera.

You will need to check in often to keep up with their new work and the astonishing frequency that they win awards (and film reviews, such as Nathan Basha's take on Gladiator).

Genevieve Clay-Smith has taken Bus Stop Films to great 

heights since first working with people with disabilities at 

Down Syndrome NSW. She is currently 

NSW Young Australian of the Year in recognition of her work.

International Women’s Day: disability-inclusive domestic and family violence services

Yesterday was International Women's Day and to mark the occasion, Domestic Violence NSW Inc. (DVNSW) and People with Disability Australia (PWDA) have launched a toolkit designed to enhance the domestic and family violence sector's response to violence against women with disability. Australian women with disability are 37.3% more at risk of domestic and family violence. In NSW, over 43% of women experiencing personal violence have disability or a long-term illness, meaning that they experience violence at twice the rate of other women.

Many of the services designed to support women leaving violence are not physically accessible to women with disability, information about them is not available in alternative formats, and attitudes or policies may not be disability inclusive. As a consequence, many women with disability don’t get the assistance that they need. To support services to address this, PWDA and DVNSW have developed a package of three informative and practical documents covering disability awareness, an accessibility audit, and guidelines for managing change within the service. These are available today for download from the DVNSW and PWDA websites.

Moo Baulch, CEO of Domestic Violence New South Wales, said, "We know that women with disability experience barriers to accessing domestic violence support services, whilst specialist disability services may not understand the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships. Therefore, women with disability may remain in situations of violence because they believe that services will not be able to support them. This project is designed to be a first step in addressing that gap and to encourage services to be intersectional in their philosophy, and accessible in their practice."

Therese Sands, Co-CEO of People with Disability Australia, says, "This project builds on PWDA's long experience and extensive expertise in advocating for better prevention of and response to violence against people with disability, especially women and girls. We hope that this collaborative venture will model the inclusion of women with disability for all violence prevention response programs being developed both at a state and a federal level."

The project will be piloted in domestic and family violence services in NSW, with the evaluation informing future recommendations for best practice and increased accessibility. DVNSW and PWDA will provide support to these organisations throughout this process.

Weekend reading and viewing: 7th - 8th March 2015

Diversity and Inclusion – Love Has No Labels

Ad Council, 3rd March 2015

While the vast majority of Americans consider themselves unprejudiced, many of us unintentionally make snap judgments about people based on what we see—whether it’s race, age, gender, religion, sexuality, or disability. This may be a significant reason many people in the U.S. report they feel discriminated against. Subconscious prejudice—called “implicit bias”—has profound implications for how we view and interact with others who are different from us. 

Dance classes have positive impact on children with SEN, research shows

learning disability today, 4th March 2015

Taking part in dance classes helps improve the physical and mental wellbeing of students with special educational needs (SEN), according to research from the Institute for Voluntary Action Research.

The researchers found that of the young people who participate in dance classes 88% feel better able to express themselves and 75% feel more physically fit ...

This Is Just a Start ...

Dave Hingsburger, Rolling Around in My Head, 5th March 2015

"In the summer people can see I have Down Syndrome and they stare at me all the time. In winter, with my (hood) up, they treat me nicer because they can't see me very well."

Yes, Reading IS Possible for Kids With Down Syndrome

Amy Julia Becker, Parent.com, 5th March 2015
When our daughter Penny was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, I experienced many of the emotions that are typical for parents who receive unexpected news about their child. I felt guilt, sadness, and fear, especially when I looked ahead at what seemed like an unknown and difficult future for our family. Back then, one of my biggest sources of sorrow stemmed from my belief that Penny wouldn’t share my love of reading ...

This family won the Trisomy 21 Lottery - three times

Parker Myles, 5th March 2015

... These three siblings all have designer genes- ALL three children have Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome. Trisomy 21 is a random event and not hereditary, so it is amazing that this family has three beautiful biological children with the condition ...

Inclusive Education Program kicks off Semester 1

Centre for Disability Studies (University of Sydney), March 2015
Ten students with an intellectual disability have joined the Inclusive Education Program hosted by the Centre for Disability Studies to participate in lectures and university life over the next two years. The semester kicked off with a range of activities including an Orientation Day ...

Why I chose to homeschool our son who has Down syndrome
Kari Wagner-Peck, Daily Life, 5th March 2015
... our son, who has Down syndrome, attended public school in a regular classroom setting — often referred to as inclusion — at our request. After two years we realised school was hindering his education.

In school, he was hugged and picked up by other children. He was helped by peers whether he wanted it or not. Our son is very small and has difficulty being understood. Even when he yelled, "Stop!" he was mostly ignored. His identity was that of the class mascot. He sat in the back of the classroom while other students participated in group activities, counting to four with his one-to-one aid. At home, he could count to 50 ...

I’m not going to force him to be nice to people….and there’s a reason for that

Embracing Wade, 2nd March 2015

Recently Wade’s communication has been really taking off, and with it has come a new sense of independence and knowledge about what he likes and doesn’t like. He is more opinionated and his sense of humour is really coming alive! Now that there is a bit of to and fro to our conversations, it’s like he has more ownership in a conversation which is beautiful to watch ...

A Non-Random Act of Kindness by Kerry Fender

Kerry Fender, Down's Syndrome Association (blog), 27th February 2015

... ‘I heard on the grapevine that you’d had a baby with Down’s syndrome,’ she said. ‘I didn’t know anyone else who’d got a child with the condition when I had my boy, and I just wanted to say this to you: the scary times — when they’re little and they’re poorly — they do get better.’ She cooed over Freddie and we swapped stories ...

World Down Syndrome Day ... around the world

Some of the ways in which World Down Syndrome Day, 21st March 2015, is being marked and celebrated around the world:

21 March 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. 

Down Syndrome International encourages our friends all over the world to choose your own activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. We will share your WDSD World Events on our dedicated WDSD website in a single global meeting place... Down Syndrome International

World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations, New York, 20th March 2015

World Down Syndrome Day Special: Live with Chris Burke! (US) National Down Syndrome Society, New York, Thursday, March 19, 2015  In a special live video webinar presentation, staff member, actor and NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke will take questions from webinar participants about his role as an advocate for people with disabilities, his experiences as a TV star playing "Corky" on TV's Life Goes On and what he's up to these days working as a member of the NDSS staff. Register for the webinar here.

World Down Syndrome Day Countdown - Down Syndrome Research Foundation (on Facebook), Vancouver, Canada

Over the next 21 days leading up to World Down Syndrome Day (3/21), we will introduce you to 21 individuals with Down syndrome who are achieving great things ...

The (US) National Down Syndrome Congress is celebrating through its Random Acts of Kindness campaign.

• Down Syndrome NSW World Down Syndrome Day events are listed here.

NSW State election 2015 page

Information about the NSW State election scheduled for 28th March 2015 is now posted on the NSW State Election 2015 page, linked this tab under the blog banner, for easy reference.

Links and information will be added as they become available. Today's addition is a link to:

Easy read guides on registration and voting, from Elections NSW

Nuts and bolts

#education21 - how educational research is helping children with Down syndrome today

Another critically important reminder in Down Syndrome Education International's weekly series in the lead up to World Down Syndrome Day (21st March 2015):

#18. Hearing loss is common and impacts speech and language developmentDown Syndrome Education International, 4th March 2015
It is well established that hearing loss is common among children with Down syndrome, although the reports of the prevalence and the extent of these difficulties vary. Hearing problems make it more difficult to learn spoken language and develop clear speech. Despite the importance of hearing for development, there is a lack of research and consensus on the most effective treatment options ... read more here

Supported living in the UK
The London based Down's Syndrome Association has posted a series of short videos about the experience of people with down syndrome in supported living in the UK:

Choosing where to live is a big decision. More and more adults with Down’s syndrome are deciding to move out and live in their own home with support. This is called supported living ... watch the videos online here.

Wills for People with Intellectual Disability
The Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is a specialist legal advocacy service for people with intellectual disability in New South Wales, ... (working) with and for people with intellectual disability to exercise and advance their rights. You can see the full list of their services on the website. Publications include crucial advice on practical legal matters, published in easy English, such as ...

• Wills for people with intellectual disability

Further commentary on the McClure Report into welfare refom

More peak body responses to the McClure report on welfare reform, and some individual responses. Our earlier posts on the final report are here and here:

McClure report on welfare reform released - Down Syndrome Australia, 26th February 2015 

Summary of the Final Report into the Review of Australia's Welfare System - Carers Australia, 3rd March 2015 

Jobs and a strong social security system - National Welfare Rights Network, 26 February 2015 

Summary of Welfare Reform Report - Australian Council of Social Services - Policy Snapshot, 2nd March 2015 

McClure Report - An Easy Way Out on Disability - Trisha Malowney, ProBono Australia News, 3rd March 2015

Upgrading our debate on disability, welfare and jobs - Craig Wallace, On the Record, 28th February 2015 

Boss attitudes are a handicap, not changes to welfare - Clair Morton, The Daily Examiner (Grafton), 27th February 2015

Like meat through a mincer, the changes to welfare
- The Daily Examiner, 27th February 2015

NSW roadmap to nowhere for mental healthcare for people with intellectual disability?

NSW Council for Intellectual Disability's response tp the NSW Mental Health Commission's Living Well, Strategic Plan for mental health in NSW 2014 - 2024,  published in October 2014:

NSW roadmap to nowhere for  people with intellectual disability?

NSW CID is alarmed by the lack of action on the mental health of people with intellectual disability in the NSW Government’s response to its Mental Health Commission’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan includes clear action on intellectual disability mental health but the Government’s $115m response says nothing to people with intellectual disability.
We seek your support on this issue by writing or emailing Mental Health Minister Jai Rowell. 

The Mental Health Commission has set out clearly the fundamental problems facing people with intellectual disability in obtaining mental health care and provided practical steps for action. The Commission’s approach is consistent with the outcomes from the National Roundtable on the Mental Health of People with Intellectual Disability which NSW CID led in 2013. The Roundtable was attended by leaders in mental health and disability from around Australia, including key people in NSW Health ...

Visit the NSW CID blog, here for the detailed response, and to see what you can do to help lobby for better mental health care for people with intellectual disability in NSW.

Follow NSW CID on twitter and Facebook

T: twitter.com/nswcid
F: facebook.com/NSWCID
W: www.nswcid.org.au

• NSW Mental Health Commission website

Safety at school: how students with disabilities feel

Safe at School? Exploring Safety and Harm of Students with Cognitive Disability 

Speakers: Sally Robinson, Southern Cross University and Rosemary Kayess, Social  Policy research Centre, University of NSW

12pm - 2pm 12th March 2015

Room 221 John Goodsell Building, UNSW Kensington

More information and registration SPRC Events

This article was published in the Northern Star (Lismore) prior to the seminar being presented there last week:

Students with cognitive disability at higher risk of abuse

Northern Star, 24th February 2015

... "We know that students with cognitive disability experience higher rates of abuse, neglect and exploitation than students without disability." Dr Robinson said.
"In this study, we took a particular focus on finding out what students with disability themselves thought about safety and harm in and around school, as there is no Australian research which has done this. 

"We will be sharing the results of our recent research and discussing how we can make things better. We have developed recommendations for change to better support students, families and teachers, along with short user-friendly resources for students, families and professional stakeholders." 

The seminar will provide insights into students' experiences, the responses of education providers, and the system structures and processes available to support resolution of abuse.

Discussion will focus on addressing barriers, strengths and possibilities for change in education, legal and policy arenas ...

Sydney Opera House: Access friendly Babies Proms

The Sydney Opera House formally launched its Accessability Program last week (photos from the event are here). Accessible performances have been offered from time to time, and the program has both grown in the number of performances, and the depth of support it offered.  It is good to see that Lifestart, with such a substantial history of supporting children with disabilities and their families through innovative approaches, is involved on the ground.

Bookings are now open for:

BABIES PROMS: COUNTRY KIDS - ACCESS FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE 

14 May 2015 

Studio, Sydney Opera House 

Inspired by Australia’s long tradition of country music and the bush balladeers of old, this concert will explore the sound and movements famous and familiar across the country. 

Sing along to country favourites and learn a line dance for a Boot Scootin’ Boogie!

What is an Access-friendly Performance?

Access-friendly performances are designed to ensure everyone is able to enjoy this unique theatre experience in a supportive, friendly and relaxed environment. In partnership with Lifestart, the Accessible Babies Proms performances provide a mixed play activity area, supported by the Lifestart team with a range of activities for all ages and abilities, and is available for families between 10:30am-12pm in the foyer area.

Sydney Opera House will provide a downloadable pre-visit social story, support aids (including fidget toys, weighted lap pads, textured mats) and an open door policy ...

All details and booking information about this event is available on the Sydney Opera House website, here. 

A temporary reprieve for defunded organisations

Over the weekend it was reported that some 'transition funding' has been temporarily been made available to the peak disability organisation recently defunded by the federal government. Down Syndrome Australia commented on Facebook that the transition funding is a '... positive interim measure, but we need to ensure the voice of people with intellectual disability is well represented long term.'

Disability groups granted temporary funding reprieve

Julia May, Sydney Morning Herald, 1st March 2015

The federal government has made a partial backflip on its cuts to disability groups, granting a temporary reprieve to eight bodies whose funding was due to run out on Saturday. 

Last month the Department of Social Services announced it would cut funding to the disability sector by 40 per cent and support an alliance of just five representative bodies. It left eight bodies representing 200,000 people with disabilities under threat and sparked allegations that the government was in breach of the United Nations convention on the rights of disabled people. 

But on Thursday the eight organisations - including the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Blind Citizens Australia, Brain Injury Australia and Inclusion Australia, representing people with an intellectual disability – were told they had secured "transition funding" of $450,000 until the end of June ...

These media reports describe some of the most recent protests that have led the government to reconsider its initial decision:

People with intellectual disability need their own peak group!!

NSW Council on Intellectual Disability, 26th February 2015

For 60 years, there have been peak groups specifically representing people with intellectual disability both in NSW and in Canberra.

This representation is now in jeopardy at the national level due to the federal government defunding all single disability peak groups including Inclusion Australia (the new name for the National Council on Intellectual disability) ...

Concern that intellectually disabled left out of NDIS: Experts
Jennifer Macey, PM (ABC radio), 25th February 2015

With federal funding for seven top disability advocacy bodies running out next week, there are fears that people with profound intellectual disabilities could end up ignored by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

The peak bodies include one umbrella group for disability, and six more covering people who are blind, deaf, have autism, Down's Syndrome, acquired brain injuries, and people with intellectual disabilities ...

Disability sector funding cuts attacked by former UN committee chairman

Julia May, Sydney Morning Herald, 13th February 2015

The former chairman of the United Nations committee representing people with disabilities has added his voice to the chorus of anger over the government's shake-up of the sector, challenging its claim it is in acting in accordance with the UN convention.
Ron McCallum, who is blind, is a former dean of law at Sydney University and, until December, was chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Disabled Persons in Geneva. He condemned the federal government's action, saying it revived old, outdated attitudes that those with disabilities were not people with rights but "objects of charity". 

Last week the Department of Social Services announced it would fund an alliance of five groups representing disabled people by demographic rather than specific need, plus one service provider.

This threatens eight peak bodies with 200,000 members with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and sensory disabilities including blindness and deafness. It also cut the amount of funding available by 40 per cent, to $3.6 million. The assistant minister for social services, Mitch Fifield, claimed the new arrangement was consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons. 

But Professor McCallum rejected this, saying the government does not accord with Article 33, relating to monitoring and implementing the convention. "[Senator Fifield] can't rely on the convention to say it approves of what he's doing. He's trying to mask cutting groups and the convention doesn't justify that. He can't use it as a crutch," he said ... read more here.

T4321 Disco: Hunter Region

T4321 Disco - celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2015
Dance the afternoon away at the ‘Stripes and Bling’ themed disco.

3 - 5pm Saturday 21 March 2015
Club Macquarie, Argenton

$5 per person / $20 per family (5 or more people)

Bookings by email: dshr@dsansw.org.au or for any queries, call 0459 839 599

Weekend reading and viewing: 28th February 1st March 2015

What I Learned From My Son After the Death of Our Dog
Kari Wagner-Peck, The Good Men Project, 20th February 2015
Kari Wagner-Peck had trouble explaining the death of their beloved dog to her son, until she realized her boy had a lot to teach her, too ...

Why I didn't terminate my pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis 
Maureen Wallace, She Knows, 21st February 2015
I want to thank the woman who publicly shared how she terminated her pregnancy because her child would be born with Down syndrome. As difficult as her words are to read, they offer a road map for us to address hurdles standing between our loved ones with Down syndrome and the inclusion and respect they deserve ...

West Ham fans sing anti-Semitic chants and tease disabled people after mocking racist Chelsea mob
Ali Gordon, Belfast Telegraph, 24th February 2015
Kevin Kilbane has made an official complaint to the Football Association after West Ham fans allegedly used insulting language mocking disabled people ...

• DSA (London) statement

LIVE a LITTLE
Exhibition by Digby Webster @ Leichhardt Library
Sunday 1 March to Tuesday 31 March 2015

This boss gives the disabled what she says they want: jobs
NBC News, 25th February 2015
The Prospector Theatre in Ridgefield, Connecticut is a one of a kind movie house, employing adults with special needs.


Publications

My Choice Matters Newsletter, February 2015

Accessible Arts Newsletter, February 2015 

NSW election 2015

The NSW State election is scheduled for 28th March 2015.

Voting information

iVote - voting online or by phone - is now available to all people with a disability (and to people who find it difficult to vote because of their location). Click here for videos on how to register and how to vote.


NSW 2015 election policies

People with Disability Australia's Election Platform NSW 2015

PWDA’s 2015 NSW Election Platform focuses on a socially just, accessible and inclusive NSW community. Our Platform identifies five key areas which we believe should be prioritised by the NSW Government during this time of significant change in the disability landscape ... click here for details

NSW Labor policy: Graeme Innes to head new disability employment advocacy body

Rachel Browne, Sydney Morning Herald, 17th February 2015

More responses and media coverage of the McClure report

We can expect more analysis as people have time to read the welfare reform report A New System for Better Employment and Social Outcomes, released yesterday, and as we are better able to anticipate its impacts on the welfare system, both for those who already receive benefits, and those who will become eligible under new criteria. These responses are from yesterday and today:

Welfare reform will succeed with the right employment support

Inclusion Australia, 26th February 2015

... Getting a job is good. Good for the individual and the federal budget. Investment in support that works is value for money. Inclusion Australia presented two case studies of evidence based practice to the consultation — Audrey and David. These show that with the right right support, it is possible to get a job and reduce reliance on the pension ...

The Drum (ABC 24) 25th February, 2015
Graeme Innes (former Disability Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission) is a specialist guest panellist for the first discussion in this episode, on the McClure Report. He provides a clear, concise insight into what reform needs to achieve for people with disability, especially from an employment perspective (his participation starts at 7m 50s, following a more general discussion of the report).

Changes proposed for disability support payments to encourage people into work

Every Australian Counts, 25th February 2015

... For people on the Disability Support Pension with a severe or permanent disability, the report recommends ‘a supported living pension.’ The rules would be tighter for this payment – only those with a disability expected to last more than five years would be eligible.

For others with some capacity to work, the report recommends moving onto a ‘working age payment’ which would have a tiered level of payment with higher rates for people depending on their disability and how much they could work or study.

Mr McClure was at pains to stress that “no individual moving from the old system to the new system will experience a reduction in their rate of payment”.

The report also calls for government to step up on their employment of people with disability and mental health conditions and for a more extensive jobs package to help people get into work.

The Minister responsible, Scott Morrison, welcomed the report but has not said if the government will implement it, claiming it is being considered as part of decisions for the next Budget in May ...

NFPs (Not-for profits) React to McClure Welfare Review
Lina Caneva, ProBono News Australia, 25th February 2015
The Federal Government has released the long-awaited final report of the review of Australia’s welfare system including controversial recommendations around Disability Support Pensions which has had a mixed reaction from the Not for Profit sector.

The report recommends a new disability payment which would be restricted to people unable to work more than eight hours a week ...

Welfare Review: right questions, flawed model
Australian Council for Social Services, 25th February 2015
Though welcoming key aspects of the McClure report released today, the Australian Council of Social Service said the final report of the Federal Government's commissioned review of Australia's welfare system was a missed opportunity to move to a more rational system based on people's financial need rather than decisions about ‘deservedness' ...

Welfare reform must be backed by job creation

Veronica Sheen, The Drum, 25th February 2015

Making it easier for people to move from welfare to employment is laudable, but this report won't solve the fundamental problem that there are far more people looking for work than there are job vacancies ... it is great that Patrick McClure and the members of the welfare review panel are so insistent that employment outcomes be the centrepiece and main motivating principle of Australia's social welfare system. It does seem strange though because welfare-to-work has most definitely been a central motif of Australian social welfare policy for a very long time. There are strenuous work-search requirements on unemployed people and heavy caveats placed on people with disabilities to prove their entitlement to a payment.

Welfare reform: key players weigh in
Emily Bowden, The New Daily, 25th February 2015
The federal government’s ambitious review of the $150 billion welfare system has been cautiously welcomed by both the disability sector and the Labor Party ... Major players warned, however, that work needs to be “worthwhile” for people with disabilities, with Social Services Minister Scott Morrison admitting certain payments were “isolating” ...

Compassionate and rational, but too brave a world for the times

Rick Morton, The Australian, 25th February 2015

Patrick McClure’s bid to rid the nation’s bolt-on social support system of spiralling inequity and confusion is at times compassionate, rational and brave.

It will take a braver government, together with as much political capital as it can muster, to realise the vision.

Such bold plans are fraught, as McClure knows all too well, after the Howard government largely ignored his last welfare assessment commissioned in 1999.

John Howard recoiled at ­reforming the payment system and doubled down on mutual obligation principles instead, like ­developing the 2005 welfare-to-work package.

Time has not been a friend of the system. The structure, which includes 20 income payments and 55 scattergun supplements and ­allowances, is so opaque people who could access payments sometimes don’t even know they exist ...

McClure pleads for whole kit and caboodle on welfare reform

Rick Morton, The Australian, 26th February 2015

Community groups and the lead author of the welfare review have warned the government not to “cherry pick” from the report as it forges ahead with ­reform.

Patrick McClure told The Australian it was a “shame” recommendations from his report for John Howard, other than his focus on welfare-to-work policies, were left on the scrapheap.

“The key is it is an integrated approach. You can’t do one pillar without the others,” he said. Similarly, he said, Labor should not oppose it for opposition’s sake. “The sadness would be that just because an opposition has got to oppose government policy that they choose not to support it,” he said.

While welfare groups supported the broad thrust of the report, particularly its emphasis on investment and clarity, many were troubled by the detail, or lack of it ...

McClure welfare review offers second chance for reform

Rick Morton, The Australian, 26th February 2015
If the federal government accepts the bulk of Patrick McClure’s social security review then it will enter the time warp once again, a sort of Rocky Horror Welfare Show.

Everything old is new again.

It has been 15 years since the same McClure reviewed the same system for the ideological mentor of the current Prime Minister, John Howard.

The new report, released yesterday, comes to similar conclusions: the system of payments is a Frankenstein’s monster of bolt-on supplements and income payments, too cumbersome to administer and too poorly targeted to the most in need ...

McClure report on welfare reform released

The much-anticipated final report into the welfare system, led by Patrick McClure, A New System for Better Employment and Social Outcomes, has been released today.

• The full report can be downloaded from the Dept Social Services' website here. 

• An easy english summary of the review is available here. 

Further comment will emerge as the report is read and analysed by stakeholders and advocates. Here are some early media releases and reports:

McClure: Jobs plan welcome, concerns about tough eligibility rules
People with Disability Australia (media release), 25th February 2015

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) cautiously welcomes some key recommendations from the final report from the Reference Group on Welfare Reform released today while expressing concerns about eligibility rules that could see claimants needing to show they can’t work more than eight hours a week with incapacity expected to last at least five years.

PWDA urged the Government not to ‘cherry-pick’ the report by adopting recommendations which relate to income support savings and ignoring those which relate to building a disability and mental health jobs plan. This time the obligations must be mutual and the focus on incentives not penalties ...

Welfare review by Patrick McClure lays out plan for simplified payments, tightening eligibility for disability support
Anna Henderson and Eliza Borrello, ABC News, 25th February 2015

ABC: DSS simplified payment chart
- click here for a larger view

A wide-ranging review of the nation's $150 billion welfare system has laid out a plan for five basic payments and recommends tightening the eligibility for disability support. 

The Coalition commissioned the review in December 2013 and asked lead author Patrick McClure, a former head of Mission Australia, to find ways to save money and encourage more people to return to work. 

"The current system is complex and inefficient, it's very difficult to understand and navigate for people on income support, and in addition there are a lot of disincentives to work," Mr McClure said. 

His report called for simplification of the 20 income support payments and 55 supplementary payments, but said no-one should receive less money than they do now.
The report suggests there should be five primary payments: a tiered working age payment, a supported living pension, a child and youth payment, a carer payment and an age pension ... 

Complex and ineffcient welfare system doesn't meet needs of changing labour market: McClureMichael Brissendon, AM (ABC radio) 25th February 2015

Australia's $150 billion a year welfare system is complex, inconsistent and needs to be radically overhauled. That's the view of one of the country's leading experts on welfare payments. 

Patrick McClure says the current system includes 20 primary payments and 55 supplements and should be simplified down to five payments. 

The former head of Mission Australia also recommends tightening eligibility for the disability support payment, but says no-one should receive less money than they do now ...

New report calls for radical welfare overhaul

Judith Ireland, Sydney Morning Herald, 25th February 2015

Australia's $150 billion welfare system should be radically simplified to include just five primary payments, with upfront investment in people at risk of long-term unemployment, a major review has recommended. 

The review, ordered by the Abbott government in 2013, also recommends personalised "Passports to Work" to tell welfare recipients how their payments will change if they start work or increase their hours, to reduce people's fear about taking a job. 

The final report of the review conducted by former Mission Australia head Patrick McClure was released on Wednesday, noting that "many" people on the dole would be better off under the new system. 

It also stressed there should be measures in place to make sure "no individual moving from the old system to the new system will experience a reduction in their rate of payment". 

Social Services Minister Scott Morrison praised the report as "very useful" and "visionary" but noted it provided a framework for change in the long-term, not in the next few years ...

Disability Support Pension under fire as bill to write welfare cheques hits $3 billion per year
Simon Benson and Annika Smethurst, Daily Telegraph, 25th February 2015

... A landmark report into the country’s ballooning $150 billion annual welfare burden, released today, says the cost to the Budget is becoming unmanageable unless people are put back to work and the payments system streamlined. 

Former Mission Australia chief Patrick McClure’s report into ways to streamline the welfare system also recommends condensing 20 support payments to just five, and slashing 55 supplements to only a handful to make the system simpler to manage ...

On inclusive education

Debate about segregation and inclusion of students with disabilities in schools has been waged for decades. In some countries (Italy is the best known example), all segregated schools were closed many years ago, but that is still unusual.

Differences are clearly not based only on research about educational outcomes, cost/benefit, funding and other resources, or the disability label the student is given, but also on values and beliefs:

It's time to end segregation of special education students, professors say
University of Kansas News, 10th February 2015

The time has finally come to end the separation of special education and general education students, researchers at the University of Kansas argue in a new publication. Not only does research show that all students have higher achievement in fully integrated environments, but support and public policy for schools to make such a switch are coming into place as well ...

The Elephants in the Special Needs Room

Phoebe Hoomes, Herding Cats, 19th January 2015

... Living in the world of special needs means, it seems that we keep so much to ourselves. The most common feedback I get from the blog is “You put into words what I can’t say.” and “I can totally relate!!!” And I’ve realized, we don’t really talk about the elephants in the room. Maybe because we’re too busy trying to keep them from stepping on tiny dogs and crashing into bookcases. So I thought I’d point out some elephants ...

Separate curriculum for students with disability no good for anyone

The Conversation, 12th November 2014

The review of the Australian curriculum raises major concerns about access to a quality curriculum for students with disability. Under the guise of creating greater inclusivity, the review recommends a separate curriculum for some students with disability ... This aspect of the review was widely reported in the media with an implicit acceptance of its accuracy. It is so commonplace for people with disability to miss out on services and resources that it is easy to accept that this is also the case with the Australian curriculum ...

Included, Everyone

Rachel Adams, Huffington Post,18th June, 2014
... At Henry's school inclusion isn't just an educational practice, but part of a curriculum organized around teaching social justice, civil rights and diversity ...

Disabling segregation: Dan Habib at TEDx
Published 22nd April 2014
Photojournalist Dan Habib didn't give much thought to disability — until his son Samuel was born with cerebral palsy. In this emotional talk, the disability-rights advocate explains his family's fight to ensure an inclusive education for Samuel, and how inclusion benefits not just Samuel and those who are included, but all of us ...

Latest additions to events pages

Down Syndrome NSW events

T4321 ('Tea for Trisomy 21)

T4321 ('Tea for Trisomy 21) is held throughout the month of March to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. This year is extra special, as Down Syndrome NSW is turning 35! So this year, our celebrations are going to be bigger, bolder and better than ever before!

21st March 2015, and throughout March 

T4321 Family Fun Day 2015
There will be plenty of activities for the whole family; World Record Attempt, indoor play equipment for the youngsters (10mths – 13yrs), rock wall climbing (enclosed shoes needed), petting zoo, singers/performers, cartoon characters, pamper zone, craft room, cupcake decorating and lots more!

The day will culminate in a world record attempt for the ‘Most people wearing the same socks’. We’re aiming for 321 socks! Register here.

Saturday 21 March 2015 - Lollipops Playland Parramatta

Other events
These links provide information about events run by organisations other than Down Syndrome NSW that might be of interest to people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and the professionals who support them. They have been added to our 'Other 2015 events' page for ease of reference.

Arts + Disability Expo

Accessible Arts is proud to announce Australia's inaugural Arts + Disability Expo. The expo is a 2 day event showcasing the products and services available for individuals is the arts and disability sector. Featuring exhibitors across the arts and disability sectors, interactive demonstrations, discussions and live performances, the Expo will provide individuals, groups and families greater choice and resources to fully participate in the arts.

18 and 19 September 2015 - Carriageworks, Sydney

People with Down syndrome online, and in other media

The Making of Heartbreak and Beauty

Bus Stop Films, 13th February 2015

Documentary about Bus Stop's latest film 'Heartbreak and Beauty' here you will be able to see their inclusive filmmaking and creative process.

• Heartbreak and Beauty premiered in Sydney on 21st February 2015.

Somebody to love

Fergus Falls Journal, 16th February 2015
Jill Oland and David Stenslie are in love. The signs are easy to see. Jill calls him “honey” and gently takes his hand and folds it into hers as they sit on a couch in her cozy south Fargo apartment ...

Lebanon's 'Ghadi': Down Syndrome child is an angel, not a demonAmal Al Jabry, Emirates 24/7, 15th February 2015

Lebanon's official Oscar entry explores both humanity and bigotry ...

AHS's Jamie Brewer Is the 1st Model with Down Syndrome to Walk at New York Fashion Week 

Alex Heigl, People, 12th February 2015
... the 30-year-old actress broke another barrier Thursday, becoming the first model with Down syndrome to walk during New York's Fashion Week.  Brewer modeled as part of Carrie Hammer's "Role Models Not Runway Models" campaign, wearing an original design by Hammer ...

Teen with Down syndrome makes big impact at part-time job

Melissa Cutler, Fox4 News, 11th February 2015

A Highland Park high school student is making an impact at his part-time job. Nick Jones' task is to make sure every car on his dealership's lot is perfect, and his work is making a bigger impression than he may realize. One thing that sets 18-year-old Nick apart from many is how happy he is to go to work ...

Games call has Cassy beaming 
Courtney Crane, Geelong Advertiser, 7th February 2015
Geelong born gymnast Cassy Geffke will mark her 25th year in the sport with her fourth Special Olympics World Games berth ...

Ready for work but is work ready for me?

Thea Calzoni, Every Australian Counts, 3rd February 2015

... Social acceptance is related to the role a person is given in the workplace. Why, with all her performance skills and ability with words, has Pippa not been welcomed into a ‘front of house’ job? So far her paid work has been out the back – in fast food kitchens or shelf stacking – never in customer service. This is a common experience of people with disability, regardless of their many abilities ...

Who Unlocked the Gate?
An Australian film in pre-production - the cast page includes profiles of two actors with Down syndrome, Tara Coughlan and Max McAuley who will have roles in the film.

Credit

It was good to see our short video, Ten things people with Down syndrome would like you to know, from some years ago included in Dr Brian Chiccoine's list of

... 4 pieces I have recently read or watched that caused me to pause and think about diversity and uniqueness, and challenged me to continue to get to know people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities and as much as possible get the information from their perspective ...

Dr Chiccoine is the Director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Chicago, and a world renowned expert on the health care and development of adult and teens with Down syndrome.  

Read the full editorial, and see what the other three items he listed are, here, on the Centre's blog post, Diversity,  of 20th February 2015